Simple harmonic motion interpretation problem

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The discussion centers on the interpretation of the equation t = (1/ω) cos^(-1)(x/A) derived from x = A cos(ωt) in simple harmonic motion (SHM). The confusion arises when considering the value of t when x = 0, as the expectation is that t should also be 0, indicating no movement. It is clarified that the equation assumes t = 0 corresponds to the maximum displacement, not the equilibrium position. To achieve x = 0 at t = 0, the sine function should be used instead of cosine. The participants agree on the importance of understanding that x represents displacement from equilibrium, not from the initial time.
Celso
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I'm in trouble trying to understand the expression ##t= \frac{1}{\omega} cos^{-1}(x/A)## that comes from ##x = Acos(\omega t)##, in which ##A## is the amplitude, ##t## is time and ##x## is displacement.
When ##x = 0##, ##t = \frac{\pi}{2\omega} ##, shouldn't it be 0 since there was no movement?
 
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##\cos^{-1}## has multiple roots.
 
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Dale said:
##\cos^{-1}## has multiple roots.
It has a root in ##x/A = 1##, but in that case the distance would be equal to the amplitude, not zero
 
You seem to be using a form of the SHM equation that treats ##t=0## as a time when ##x## is a maximum. If you want ##x=0## at ##t=0## you need to use ##\sin##, not ##\cos##.
 
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Yes, @Ibix is right. In this equation x is the displacement from equilibrium, not the displacement from t=0. It starts at the peak.
 
ah that's my mistake, thank you guys
 

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